tomar fotos
/tomaɾ fotos/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'take photos' is translated as tomar fotos.
The phrase is used to describe the act of capturing an image using a camera.
Which one should you use?
While tomar fotos is widely understood, the phrase sacar fotos is often more common in casual, everyday conversation in Spain and parts of Latin America.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, people commonly use the verb sacar when referring to taking photos.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a single photograph, you use the singular form una foto instead of the plural fotos. To express the continuous action of taking photos, you use the gerund form tomando fotos.
How do you pronounce it?
/tomaɾ fotos/
Did you know?
- The word foto is a feminine noun because it inherits the gender of fotografía. This remains true even though foto ends in the letter 'o', which usually indicates a masculine noun.
- The verb tomar also means 'to drink' in many Latin American countries. This creates a humorous ambiguity where tomar fotos and 'drinking' use the same verb.
- In some professional photography contexts, you might hear hacer fotos, which literally means 'to make photos', emphasizing the artistic creation of the image.
Examples in context
- Favor de no tomar fotos aquí.Please do not take photos here.This sentence is useful for seeing how to request that someone does not use tomar fotos in a specific location.Tatoeba #646607 by darinmex, translation #6002 by fcbond
- El fotógrafo profesional capturó imágenes impresionantesThe professional photographer captured stunning images
- Vamos a tomar fotos en la playaLet's take photos on the beach
- ¿Me puedes tomar/sacar una foto, por favor?Can you take a photo of me, please?
- Vamos a tomar/sacar una foto todos juntosLet's take a photo together
- Me encanta tomar/sacar fotosI love taking photos
- ¡Que tengas muchas fotos increíbles!May you take many amazing photos!
- Me gusta tomar fotos de la naturaleza.I like to take photos of nature.
- ¿Puedes tomar fotos de nosotros?Can you take photos of us?
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are at a beautiful park.
- Daniel¡Mira qué paisaje tan bonito!Look at such a beautiful landscape!
- LucíaSí, quiero tomar fotos de las flores.Yes, I want to take photos of the flowers.
- DanielYo también, saca tu cámara.Me too, get your camera out.
- LucíaEstá lista para tomar fotos.It is ready to take photos.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
